with whom, she was secretly convinced, Quimby was in love, readily consented to the proposition; and so it came to pass that Nattie was interrupted in an account she was giving "C" of a man who wanted to send a message to his wife, and seemed to think "My wife, in Providence," all the address necessary, by the unexpected apparition of Quimby, accompanied by a stylish and handsome young lady.
"I—I beg pardon, if I—if I intrude, you know," he stammered, beginning to wish he had not done it, as Nattie, with an "Excuse me, visitors," to "C," rose and came forward. "But I—I brought Miss Archer! To make you acquainted, you know."
"I am indebted to you for that pleasure," Nattie said, with a smile, as she took the hand Miss Archer extended, saying,
"I have heard Quimby speak about you so much, I already feel acquainted."
Quimby blushed, and nervously fingered his necktie.
"Such near neighbors—so lonesome—thought you ought to know each other," he said confusedly
"Yes, I began to fear we were destined never to meet," Nattie replied, as she held the private door open for her visitors to enter, a proceeding contrary to rules, but she preferred rather to trans-
